Book launch, Bestsellers, and Biosphere

 FALL 2025


Author talks, literary events, and presentations in the coming months (or maybe in the preceding months depending upon when you read this).

Book lovers and lifelong learners in Port Dover and the surrounding area can look forward to two months packed with stories, history, and inspiration.

“We have a wonderful lineup of literary events and learning opportunities in Port Dover and area this fall,” says Robyn York of the Beach Reads Bookshop. “October and November will be a great time for local readers, writers, and curious minds.”

The events feature bestselling authors, local historians, and reports on environmental research.

·         Book Launch - Saturday October 11

Local author Gail Heald-Taylor will launch her memoir New Year’s Baby at the  Port Dover Community Centre between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday October 11, 2025.  The event which includes a presentation on the book is free to the public. Books will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated to Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice.

·         Explorer Adam Shoalts  – Sunday October 19

One of Canada’s most celebrated explorers and storytellers, Adam Shoalts returns to the Port Dover Community Centre to speak at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025.  Shoalts’ bestselling books, including Where the Falcons Fly and A History of Canada in 10 Maps, have captivated readers nationwide with their blend of wilderness adventure and ecological insight. His newest work, Vanished Beyond the Map: The Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell, follows the trail of an explorer and prospector who disappeared in the Northwest Territories more than a century ago. Tickets and information are available at Beach Reads.

·         Long Point Company History – Thursday November 6

 Local history takes centre stage on Thursday, November 6, 2025, when author Stephen Selk presents the second edition of his book Lake Erie’s Long Point and the Company that Saved It at 1:30 p.m. in the Scotiabank Meeting Space of the Port Dover Branch of the Norfolk County Public Library. Selk’s book explores the story of the Long Point Company — the consortium that has managed much of the Long Point sand spit since Confederation — and its lasting impact on the region’s landscape and conservation. Organized by the Friends of the Library, this event is admission by donation.

   Biosphere Conference Science and Stories – Friday November 7


Adding another dimension to November’s offerings, the Long Point Biosphere Region will hold its annual Research and Conservation Conference in Port Dover.  The day-long event brings together published researchers, conservationists, and community members to share updates on local studies and projects. Keynote speaker and Species at Risk expert Scott Gillingwater and others will highlight current environmental issues and innovations relevant to the Long Point area. Admission is $50 for the day ($40 students) with lunch included.  Register online via https://longpointbiosphere.com/

·         Norfolk Literary Prize Awards Ceremony - Friday, November 7, 2025

 The Norfolk County Public Library will stage its annual celebration of the area’s literary community at the Vittoria Community Centre on Friday November 7, 2025. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the ceremony starting at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature readings by first-place winners, the presentation of awards, and a keynote address by Jennifer Robson, the bestselling author of historical fiction whose latest novel is Coronation Year.


Music, Books, and Birds

Musician and author JP Riemens will be preforming and reading from books in the Slightly below the Surface series at the Birds Canada Headquarters building, 115 Front Road, Port Rowan on Sunday November 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.    


·         International Bestselling Author Hannah Mary McKinnon – Monday November 24

Later in the month, thriller fans can enjoy an evening with Hannah Mary McKinnon whose dark, twist-filled novels have won her readers around the world. Her event takes place on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (entry between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.) at the Simcoe Branch of the Library. McKinnon will take part in an interview-style discussion with library staff about her writing process, inspirations, and craft, with time for audience questions. Seating is limited, and free tickets are available through the library’s website.

 

For links and more information check out https://beachreads.ca/our-community/dover-writes

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